Abstract
This paper examines the environmental problems that occur due to emissions from coal-fired power plants. The paper focuses on the older power plants in the Great Lakes region. The paper discusses the problem and explores solutions to rectify the situation. The paper contends that, despite pollution issues, there are many reasons to support coal-fired power plants, and therefore, the most promising solution involves tighter regulation of coal-fired power plants, particularly reducing the pollution caused by older plants, such as those in the Great Lakes area.

From the Paper
"Out of the entire electric industry, coal-fired power plants contribute 96% of sulfur dioxide emissions, 93% of nitrogen oxide emissions, 88% of carbon dioxide emissions, and 99% of mercury emissions (Dirty coal power). Today, there are fish consumption advisories for mercury contamination in 45 states and 20% of American women of childbearing age have levels of mercury that exceed what is considered safe for a fetus (Mercury from coal-fired power plants). Coal-fired power plants is responsible for over 90% of mercury contamination in the Great Lakes (Gluckman, 2004) Further, EPA studies reveal that air pollution from coal-fired power plants triggers asthma attacks, bronchitis, and heart disease, and contributes to about 30,000 premature deaths a year (New source review/ coal-fired power plants)."

Tags:mercury, emissions, pollution

Abstract
This paper compares two technologies, photovoltaic cells and solar thermal power plants, both providing energy from solar radiation, but by different means and in different degrees. It looks at how the photovoltaic cell is used in limited situations for powering small appliances and how solar thermal power plants are able to produce much more energy for use on a widespread basis by consumers, industry and entire countries. The relative costs are noted, along with economies that will be realized once these systems are more widely used.

From the Paper
"This report summarizes two related technologies, the photovoltaic cell and the solar thermal power plant, both methods of producing energy from solar radiation. The photovoltaic cell is used in limited situations for powering small appliances, and solar thermal power plants are able to produce much more energy for use on a widespread basis by consumers, industry, and entire countries. The relative costs are noted, along with economies that will be realized once these systems are more widely used. Introduction One of the great unknowns in American energy policy remains the extent to which solar energy in its various forms will contribute to the nation's energy supply in the future. After the oil, embargo in 1973, considerable interest was expressed in solar energy as a potential way of producing energy and of reducing dependence on foreign oil. "

Tags:photovoltaic, cell, energy

Abstract
This paper examines the theory, components and mechanics of a hydropower plant, discusses how water is controlled and converted into fluid power and then into electrical power, and describes the components used to do it.

Abstract
This essay examines the safety of nuclear power plants in the event of attack. It looks at the safety features included in the design of a nuclear reactor and discusses the ability of those features to withstand an actual air attack. Expert opinions and test information are given.

From the Paper
"In light of the Al-Qaeda's most recent weapon of choice used in New York and Washington D.C., more needs to be done to protect our nuclear power plants from an air attack. Mohamed ElBaradei who is the Director of the International Atomic Energy Agency was quoted in the December 2001 issue of Nuclear Engineering International when addressing the UN General Assembly in New York as saying, the terrorist attacks on September 11 had [have] been a wake up call to the industry that more could and should be done to bolster security."

Tags:boeing, commission, containment, crystal, flight, fuel, iodide, jet, ki, nrc, path, plane, pool, postassium, radiation, reactor, regulatory

Abstract
The paper explores how the United Kingdom can use tidal energy to produce consistent alternative electricity. The paper looks at the two basic options for converting the kinetic energy of the tides into electrical energy. The paper examines the tidal power generation technology and the capital costs necessary and then considers the environmental impact represented by these tidal generation options.
The paper concludes that tidal power has the potential to provide a significant portion of the United Kingdom's energy needs.

Outline:
Introduction: Coastal UK and Tidal Power
Technical Considerations
Economics of Tidal Power
Environmental Impact of Tidal Power
Conclusions

From the Paper
"Developing alternative energy technologies that are reliable and site-specific can be difficult. Because alternative energy systems typically rely on locally available energy resources, they are not applicable in all situations and all circumstances. It is important to consider the potential energy resources of a given region prior to selecting an energy technology for development. For instance, it would be foolish to suggest the use of solar technology in a predominantly cloudy region, or a hydroelectric facility for an area that only seasonally has running water. The most important first consideration is to consider the site, and then determine what is the most reliable, locally available energy resource."

Tags:capital, costs, environment, generation, technology, stream, barrage

Abstract
The paper contends that the use of wave energy is an excellent, as yet largely untapped, alternative to the continued use of fossil fuels. The paper examines the science and technology behind the exploitation and use of wave energy for the production of electricity. The paper then examines the Pico Power Plant at the Azores Islands which uses oscillating water column technology for the production of electricity and the scientific, technological and financial implications resulting from the project. The paper includes tables and illustrations.

From the Paper
"As a society that continues to majorly use non-renewable and unsustainable energy, we must strive to find alternative energy sources that do not deplete resources for generations to come. Oceans cover the majority of the earth's surface, but are largely untapped resources for energy. Three main types of energy that can be harnessed from the ocean include wave energy, tidal energy, and deep-sea thermal energy. In focusing on wave energy, one will see that utilizing this type of energy collection is principally achieved through oscillating water columns, or OWCs. The channeling of wave energy through OWCs at the Pico Power Plant is a prime example of green engineering - the process provides renewable energy to the electricity grid in an efficient and cost-effective manner. "

Tags:renewable, unsustainable, energy, power, output, turbine, harnessing

Abstract
The paper describes the 1986 accident at the nuclear power station in Chernobyl, Ukraine and the effects caused by the radiation release. The paper discusses the many cases of thyroid cancer by residents exposed as children and the effects to workers that eventually culminated in four thousand radiation-related cancer deaths. The paper then looks at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's (NRC) response.

From the Paper
"An accident occurred on April 26, 1986 at Unit 4 of the nuclear power station located in Chernobyl, Ukraine, in the former USSR. It is reported to have been caused by a sudden surge of power that destroyed the reactor releasing massive amounts of radioactive material into the atmosphere. Both boron and sand were poured from the air onto the reactor in order to stop the fire and prevent any further significant release of the material. A temporary "sarcophagus" was created to entomb the damaged unit. Actions to reduce contamination in and around the site included cutting down and burying one square mile of a nearby pine forest. Immediately after the incident occurred, access within an eighteen-mile radius was closed off except for those individuals with official access for evaluation purposes and others who were responsible for managing the other undamaged units (U.S. NRC)."

Tags:exposure, radiation, radioactivity, contamination, thyroid, cancer

Abstract
This paper discusses the need for an energy policy in the US that would encompass energy needs for both automotive and residential use.
The paper reveals that the United States,however, currently lacks a comprehensive long-term energy policy that will accommodate future needs. The paper specifically focuses on electrical demand in the United States which comes primarily from coal fired and nuclear plants with wind and solar and water energy providing a small percentage of the power the U.S. consumes.

From the Paper
"As energy needs in the United States grow at an exponential rate our energy policy and infrastructure need to be reviewed and reformed to accommodate the future. We will face many challenges due to an increasing energy demand and an aging electrical generation infrastructure. The first energy policies in the United States focused on burning wood for heating, later coal, and finally petroleum. The United States currently lacks comprehensive long-term energy although three Energy Policy Acts have been passed, in 1992, 2005, and 2007. These acts include provisions for conservation, such as the Energy Star program and grants and tax incentives alternative energies but lack any outline for future growth in the energy sector. Much of today's regulation is on the state level."

Tags:nuclear, wind, solar, coal, water

Abstract
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (2007), "Mercury is a toxic, persistent pollutant that accumulates in the food chain." It is a liquid metal. Fossil fuel fired power plants are the largest source of human-generated mercury emissions in the United States. Although the concentration is low; atmospheric mercury falls to Earth through rain or snow and enters lakes, rivers and estuaries.

Tags:mercury, fish, contamination

Abstract
The paper examines the province of Newfoundland that is located on the extreme easternmost edge of Canada (University of Saskatchewan, map). The paper discusses how the Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games indicates that the population of Newfoundland, as of 2009, is roughly 510,000 - a number that is ostensibly drawn from the census data of the province of Newfoundland (The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, bullet-points at bottom of page). The paper relates that the province's GDP was $17.763 billion in 2007 (Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, table 1), in 2007, GDP per capita was $57, 348 for Newfoundland/Labrador (Carrick, para.3), and as far as equalization payments go, Newfoundland and Labrador received more than &1.5 billion in 2007-08 (Department of Finance Canada, para.10). The paper relates that the current leader of the province is Danny Williams and he is a progressive conservative.

From the Paper
"The province being looked at in this paper is Newfoundland and it is located on the extreme easternmost edge of Canada (University of Saskatchewan, map). The Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games indicates that the population of Newfoundland, as of 2009, is roughly 510,000 - a number that is ostensibly drawn from the census data..."

Tags:newfoundland, eugenia, station